ProWine Mumbai 2023: A Toast to Success in the World of Wines and Spirits

ProWine Mumbai 2023: A Toast to Success in the World of Wines and Spirits

By Author

Published on December 9, 2023

ProWine Mumbai, the acclaimed event that unites the Wine & Spirits Community in India, recently celebrated its third edition, leaving a mark of excellence in the industry. The two-day exhibition, held at the Jio World Convention Centre on November 24th & 25th, brought together professionals for tastings, conversations, and fruitful business meetings.

Kicking off with the ceremonial popping of Champagne Laurent Perrier, attended by distinguished guests, including the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, City of Düsseldorf, Mr. Christian Zaum, the event set a tone of sophistication and collaboration.

ProWine Mumbai 2023 witnessed robust participation, with trade visitors spanning large hoteliers, restaurateurs, bar owners, importers, distributors, retailers, sommeliers, chefs, and consumers actively engaging on the exhibition floor. Exhibitors, impressed by the event's scale and quality, found it to be the ideal platform to connect with potential buyers and showcase their portfolios.

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Arno Schmid-Egger, Managing Director of Perola GmbH, emphasized the importance of ProWine Mumbai in gaining insights into the Indian market and establishing contacts with potential distribution partners.

The event featured 164 companies presenting over 1000 brands from 21 countries, attracting 5059 attendees from 24 countries across a vast 5,000 sqm of exhibition space. ProWine Mumbai's global appeal was evident, reflecting India's significance in the wines and spirits industry and its role as a gateway for international businesses.

Participating countries, including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Chile, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, South Africa, Spain, and the United States, showcased their finest products. The event also featured pavilions from various countries, fostering networking opportunities between visitors and wine makers.

Thomas Schlitt, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf India, expressed delight at the comprehensive platform ProWine Mumbai has become, incorporating an international flavor and diversity from the Indian wine and spirits industry. The event included masterclasses, the ProWine Spirits Challenge, and the ProWine Bartenders’ Competition, adding layers of expertise and competition to the overall experience.

Nikhil Agarwal, Founder of All Things Nice and Co-organizer of ProWine Mumbai, highlighted the event's success in exceeding expectations. “We strongly believe that this is India's moment  and we look forward to organising elevated editions of ProWine Mumbai in the  future. The goal has always been to promote wine, spirits and craft beverage  businesses and help new brands enter the Indian market. This year, I’m  particularly proud of the ProWine Bartenders’ Competition and the spotlight  that it throws on bartenders who are an integral part of the beverage industry,” he said.

Winners of the Prowine Spirits Challenge 

1. VODKA

Gold Medal: SMOKE LAB ANISEED

Silver Medal: SMOKE LAB CLASSIC, SMOKE LAB SAFFRON

2. WHISKY

Gold Medal: THE GLENWALK BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY, MCCONELLS

IRISH WHISKEY

Silver Medal: HINCH IRISH WHISKEY

3. GIN

Gold Medal: BARRISTER BLUE GIN, BARRISTER MUMBAI GIN, HAPUSA

HIMALAYAN DRY GIN

Silver Medal: HAYMAN’S LONDON DRY GIN, OREGIN GIN, GREATER THAN

LONDON DRY GIN, SECTOR LONDON DRY GIN, BAAGH

Bronze Medal: COLOMBO NO. 7, SOCHI

4. RUM

Gold Medal: SHORT STORY WHITE RUM, DAKU SILVER RUM, SITARA

SPICED RUM

Silver Medal: FLOR DE CANAS 4YR WHITE RUM, DAKU GOLD RUM, RHEA

DARK RUM

Bronze Medal: VIVA EL RON WHITE RUM, MAKAZAI GOLD RUM

5. TEQUILA

Silver Medal: 1800 SILVER, CODIGO 1530 BLANCO

6. LIQUEUR

Gold Medal: TEQUILA ROSE

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The Masterclasses, ProWine Spirits Challenge, and ProWine Bartenders’ Competition drew significant attention. The blind-tasting and scoring of spirits provided valuable insights for brands. The ProWine Bartenders’ Competition showcased the skills of talented bartenders, with Priyanka Mondal (ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru) earning the title 'ProWine Bartender of the Year.'

A panel discussion on the future of international craft spirits in India added depth to the event, featuring insights from industry experts. The ProWine Mumbai Night, a major networking event, brought together luminaries of the wine and spirits industry, hospitality leaders, media persons, and key exhibitors.

The event also hosted the India Wine Awards, recognizing the best wines available in the Indian market. The positive response from industry stakeholders and sponsors, coupled with the sector's growth forecast, positions ProWine Mumbai as a premier event in the wine and spirits calendar. The 4th edition is scheduled for November 8th & 9th, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.


Spezia Bistro Opens Doors in Gurugram with People-First Hospitality

Spezia Bistro Opens Doors in Gurugram with People-First Hospitality

By Hariharan U

Published on February 16, 2026

Gurugram’s dining scene has a new addition with the launch of Spezia Bistro at Magnum Global Park. The new outlet brings together soulful food, thoughtful design, and a hospitality philosophy that places people at the centre of the experience.

Set against a charming alfresco, fountain-side dining area, the restaurant combines relaxed outdoor seating with Parisian-inspired interiors. The ambience is warm and inviting, making it ideal for early brunches, leisurely lunches, and unhurried evenings filled with conversation.

Founder Abhishek Verma shared the brand’s journey, saying, “From a single inspired moment to a growing brand with multiple locations, Spezia Bistro began with a clear vision to serve an underserved market through people-first hospitality and elevated, experience-driven dining. The idea was validated early on when a guest visited us for brunch, returned later that day with colleagues, and came back again for dinner with family. That moment reinforced everything we stood for.

At its core, Spezia Bistro believes that while food matters, people matter more. The team draws inspiration from the hospitality philosophy of Danny Meyer, focusing on warmth, consistency, and genuine care for both guests and staff. This approach is supported by operational systems influenced by The E-Myth Revisited, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience across locations.

With its Gurugram launch, Spezia Bistro continues its mission to create spaces where good food meets meaningful connection - offering diners a place to slow down, savour, and stay a little longer.


Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Relaunches Glass Bar & Kitchen with ‘A Coast Apart’

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Relaunches Glass Bar & Kitchen with ‘A Coast Apart’

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 16, 2026

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse has announced the relaunch of its specialty restaurant, Glass Bar & Kitchen, unveiling a renewed culinary direction under the concept ‘A Coast Apart.’ The refreshed identity draws inspiration from the diverse heritage of India’s southern coastline, offering a contemporary take on coastal flavours.

The reimagined menu presents a thoughtful reinterpretation of coastal gastronomy through a modern lens. By blending culinary traditions from India’s coastal regions with seasonal ingredients and slow, traditional cooking techniques, the restaurant creates a dining narrative that is both nostalgic and progressive. The concept honours regional authenticity while embracing refined presentation and contemporary sensibilities.

Shiv Bose, General Manager of Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, noted that ‘A Coast Apart’ positions Glass Bar & Kitchen with a distinctive culinary identity aligned with evolving guest preferences. Signature elements of the new menu include Tender Coconut Payasam Ice Cream, a curated ‘Amma’s Corner’ section celebrating comforting regional classics, and Glass Special Starter Platters designed for shared dining experiences. The concept has been spearheaded by Chef Tirupathi and Chef Ajit, who have crafted a cohesive menu showcasing nuanced coastal flavours.

Ajit Tiwari, Executive Chef at the hotel, highlighted regional favourites such as Lobster Mappas, Meen Pollichathu, Kuttu Paratha and Gongura Mamsam as standout dishes expected to resonate strongly with guests. The menu reflects a balance of bold flavours and thoughtful contrasts, delivering an immersive coastal dining journey.

Complementing the cuisine is a newly introduced cocktail programme titled “Madya Mix.” Led by Kuldeep Bhure, Food & Beverage Manager, the beverage selection is designed to pair seamlessly with the coastal menu. Signature creations such as Coorg’s Paradise, Bangalore Blossom and Memories by Glass feature botanicals commonly found along India’s coastal belt, layered with tropical infusions and citrus-forward notes to enhance the cuisine’s vibrant flavours.

With this relaunch, Glass Bar & Kitchen reinforces its positioning as a destination for contemporary Indian coastal cuisine in Bengaluru. Offering extended service across lunch and dinner, the restaurant invites guests to explore an expansive coastal repertoire in a modern, sophisticated setting.


Globally acclaimed, Time Out Market Makes India Debut at Worldmark, New Delhi

Globally acclaimed, Time Out Market Makes India Debut at Worldmark, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 14, 2026

Time Out Market, the globally acclaimed food and cultural market concept, is all set to make its India debut at 5 Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi. Announced by Bharti Real Estate, the real estate arm of Bharti Enterprises and owner of the Worldmark brand, this marks a significant addition to the country’s hospitality and retail landscape. The launch is planned for the second half of 2026.

Spanning approximately 24,500 square feet, Time Out Market Delhi will house 11 kitchens, two full-service bars, a private events room, a stage for live performances, and seating for around 500 guests. The space is designed to bring together the city’s leading chefs, restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences under one roof, offering visitors a curated taste of what Delhi has to offer.

Globally, active Time Out Markets operate in Lisbon, New York (Dumbo & Union Square), Boston, Chicago, Montreal, Dubai, Cape Town, Porto, Barcelona, Bahrain, and Osaka. With its entry into India, the brand adds New Delhi to its growing international portfolio of landmark destinations.

Curation at Time Out Market Delhi will focus on craft, legitimacy, and cultural relevance. The aim is to showcase chefs and concepts that truly define the city’s food identity. From award-winning chefs and established institutions to emerging talent and local favourites, the platform will bring together a diverse mix of culinary and cultural voices. It also presents a valuable opportunity for restaurateurs to be part of a globally recognised brand that celebrates the best of each city it enters.

The new market will be part of the upcoming phase of Worldmark’s development, which spans about 17 million square feet and is positioned as a leading Global Business District in the country. The area will include destination retail, premium hotels, modern office spaces, and thoughtfully planned hospitality and retail experiences. Located next to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Worldmark sits within one of the busiest ecosystems in the world and is expected to attract both international travellers and urban professionals. India Sotheby's International Realty facilitated the lease deal for Time Out Market Delhi.

"Time Out Market's opening in India at 5 Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi, adds to Worldmark's reputation as the country's most comprehensive business and lifestyle destination." "Time Out Market's internationally known concept would be beneficial for the city's international visitors, business people, and urban community. This association shows that we are committed to our long-term aim of making Worldmark as India's best business district to work, meet, eat, and do business." stated S K Sayal, MD and CEO of Bharti Real Estate.

Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc, added: "We expanded our growing Time Out Market portfolio by opening three new sites each in 2024 and 2025, with an additional five currently under development. Since the first Time Out Market launched in 2014, we have created, rooted in our iconic Time Out brand, a leading global food and cultural market."

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